The Post Office Horizon scandal remains one of the biggest miscarriages of justice in British legal history. While the public hearings of the Horizon Inquiry have now concluded, with the first part of its final report published July 2025 and the second in progress, the Metropolitan Police’s criminal investigation into those allegedly responsible is continuing quietly in the background.
With a projected budget of up to £19.3 million and around 100 investigators already examining some eight million documents, Operation Olympos has been described as unprecedented in size and scale.
Led by Commander Stephen Clayman, the investigation aims to submit files to prosecutors by early 2028, although he has warned the timetable could slip by as much as five years unless funding is secured to almost double the size of the investigation team.
Have any criminal charges been brought?
Not yet.
Although the investigation has been ongoing for more than two years, no former Post Office or Fujitsu executive has yet been charged with a criminal offence.
Who is under criminal investigation?
Police have identified 53 people of interest in the investigation, with 13 suspects having been interviewed under caution. However, police have made clear that those figures are likely to increase once the remaining volumes of the Horizon Inquiry’s final report are published.
Investigators have said they intend to compare the Inquiry’s findings with their own evidence to identify anyone who may have played a role in decisions that led to the wrongful prosecution of hundreds of sub-postmasters.
The investigation is expected to proceed in phases. Initially, detectives are examining the conduct of those directly involved in investigations and prosecutions, including Post Office investigators, lawyers and individuals responsible for prosecution decisions. The focus may later widen to include more senior decision-makers within the Post Office and Fujitsu.
What offences are investigators considering?
Police have indicated they are investigating a number of potential offences, including perverting the course of justice and perjury. Depending on the evidence, investigators may also consider other fraud-related offences.
Does giving evidence to the Horizon Inquiry mean I could be prosecuted?
Not necessarily.
The Horizon Inquiry and Operation Olympos are separate legal processes with different purposes. The Inquiry’s role is to establish what happened and make recommendations, whereas the police investigation is focused on whether criminal offences have been committed.
However, investigators may consider evidence given to the Inquiry alongside emails, internal documents and witness statements when assessing potential criminal offences.
What should I do if the police ask to interview me?
If you are contacted by the police, specialist legal advice should be sought as early as possible.
Whether you have been invited to attend a voluntary interview or an interview under caution, obtaining advice before speaking to investigators can be crucial in protecting your legal position.
Can I be prosecuted for decisions made many years ago?
Potentially.
The passage of time does not prevent the police from investigating serious criminal allegations. Large-scale fraud and corporate investigations frequently examine events that took place many years earlier, particularly where complex evidence is involved.
The Horizon investigation concerns conduct spanning more than two decades, demonstrating that historic decisions can still come under criminal scrutiny.
What happens if investigators want my emails or documents?
Investigators may have powers to obtain emails, electronic records, mobile phone data and company documents as part of a criminal investigation.
Depending on the circumstances, they may use search warrants, production orders or other statutory powers. The scope of those powers, and whether any material may be protected by legal professional privilege – which protects certain confidential communications between a lawyer and their client – will depend on the facts of the case.
I have not been arrested. Do I still need legal advice?
Many people seek legal advice before any arrest has taken place, particularly if they have been contacted by investigators, asked to provide documents or believe they may become involved in a criminal investigation.
Obtaining advice at an early stage can help you understand your rights and obligations before important decisions need to be made.
How can Lewis Nedas help?
Lewis Nedas Solicitors advises company directors, senior executives and other individuals facing allegations of fraud and other serious criminal offences. The firm has extensive experience representing clients throughout criminal investigations, including police interviews, disclosure requests and any subsequent prosecution.
About us
Lewis Nedas has been a top tier firm in the Legal 500 rankings for the past 14 years and has been voted into The Times Best Law Firms list eight times since its launch in 2019.
Our founder, Jeffrey Lewis, and non-executive director Siobhain Egan, have a strong track record of successfully defending clients in white collar and regulatory matters. They work alongside our highly regarded disputes litigation team, headed by Wilson Soares.
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Siobhain Egan, Director (Non-Executive)